Clear Cell Carcinoma of Minor Salivary Glands: The Nasopharynx, an Uncommon Site of Origin

Clear cell carcinoma is a rare minor salivary gland neoplasm. Its occurrence in the nasopharynx is uncommon. A limited number of cases are reported in the literature. Here, we report an additional case of clear cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx managed by induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy, and we describe the clinical presentation, pathological features, and outcome. A 63-year-old man presented with an exophytic, ulcerative, and easily hemorrhagic tumor on the left side of the nasopharynx. A diagnosis of primary, cT4N0M0, clear cell carcinoma of the minor salivary gland was confirmed by a core needle biopsy through nasopharyngoscopy and staging procedures. The patient was treated by induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy with clinical benefit and disease stabilization. Primary salivary gland clear cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx is uncommon. A definitive diagnosis requires an appropriate workup. The optimal treatment is unclear. Chemoradiotherapy might be a good option to manage such cases.